Confronted by the desperate condition of children and their families in rural areas around the Brazilian city of Camaqua, Marco and Claudia van de Merwe, who have worked with both WEC and Bethany, were compelled to do something. At the time they were looking for a place to begin the ministry, the Bethany property became available, and Fazenda Emanuel (Emmanuel Farm) was born.

Earlier this year a hurricane damaged the sanctuary and worship center of Care Corner Orphanage in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Care Corner was begun in 1995 by Ricky Tan, a graduate of Bethany College of Missions, and his wife Lay Hwa to be a beacon for Christ by bringing hope to the hopeless, joy to the despairing, and love to the fatherless. They began by caring for 26 children and now they and their staff care for 62.

We have all been horrified by the sight of beheadings and other barbaric forms of execution that have followed in the wake of the terrible fighting that is taking place in Syria and Iraq. As appalling as these acts are, they are but one aspect of the terrible effects of the fighting.

Tens of thousands of people have seen their homes destroyed and, in order to survive, have had to flee with only what they can carry. Among these are the Yezidi Kurds, many of whom are Christians. Thousands have taken refuge in the southeastern part of Turkey, where they are being assisted by Turkish Christians, who are doing all they can to provide aid and comfort.